CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Mayor Lori Lightfoot says skeptical City Council members WILL support a proposed new franchise agreement with Commonwealth Edison when they hear more about it, but an attempt to streamline the process fell flat today.
Alderpeople like Susan Sadlowski Garza objected.
"The taxpayers deserve us to look at this thing. This is a huge deal and none of us... I've talked to a bunch of people," she said. "Does anybody in here feel comfortable with what's in here? We just got this today."
She and others say the Council members should not be "rushed" into approving the franchise agreement. Lightfoot denies there's any pressure to speed up approval.
The mayor then backed off the early meeting, and later told reporters the agreement calls for ComEd to execute a Climate Action Plan and create a West Side Training Center and hiring neighborhood people.
Lightfoot said the renewed franchise agreement worked out with Commonwealth Edison contains a LOT of benefits for Chicago residents, like a $120 million climate action plan and plans to train and hire from the neighborhoods.
"We're gonna hold them accountable," she added. "We've got lots of measures and control and and importantly, as I said before, we're doing what's never been done before in the history of our city."
The Mayor says she doesn't like to label something a win-win, but did in this case.
But, with an eye on the still unfolding ComEd/Michael Madigan alleged bribery case, Aldermen like Andre Vasquez want to take their time.
"If members want to vote on speeding that up there feel free to," he said.
"And just as a clarification so it's not speeding it up. It's putting it forth before the body or consideration ultimate Vazquez because if it's not before the body, as you well know since you sent it to rules, it can't be considered," Lightfoot said in response.
Vasquez said the agreement could be considered later.
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